FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

What happened to the defense? 1

The Rockets’ defensive collapse in Chicago might have been a low point, but in the seven games that started with their previous meeting with the Bucks, the Rockets have allowed 123.5 points per 100 possessions, the worst defensive rating in that stretch.

As goes Garrison Mathews … usually 2

Rockets wing Garrison Mathews had a season-high 23 points and sank 6-of-11 3s against the Bucks in the teams’ first matchup. The Rockets lost that game, but usually Mathews’ shooting is an indicator of the Rockets’ success. He is averaging 14.9 points on 49.4 percent shooting overall and 42.3 percent 3-point shooting in the nine wins in which he has played but just 9.3 points on 35.3 percent shooting overall and 31 percent 3-point shooting in the nine losses.

Unfamiliar faces 3

Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jordan Nwora and Javonte Smart, who combined to score two points in six minutes against the Rockets in the first meeting, started and scored 49 points Saturday. Some regulars will return, but the Rockets better study the updated scouting report.

Get back, match up 4

The Rockets allowed 27 fast-break points in the first meeting, more than they have given up in all but three games. Unlike the others, this was not from an overload of turnovers. When the Bucks ran, the Rockets gave up open looks and were outscored by 22 on the break.

Let’s get weird 5

With so many players out, the Bucks used a lineup with Pat Connaughton as a sort-of center, playing with guards Jrue Holiday, George Hill, Grayson Allen and wing Nwora, and used a zone for six effective minutes against the Pelicans. They would rather not do that often, or ever again, especially with All-Star Khris Middleton back, but the Rockets likely will face some zone.

INJURY/STATUS REPORT

Rockets: Guard John Wall (not injury related), guard Jalen Green (strained left hamstring), guard Kevin Porter Jr. (bruised left thigh) and guard Daishen Nix (G League assignment) are out. Center Christian Wood (left knee tendinitis) is questionable.

Bucks: Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (health and safety protocols), guard Wesley Matthews (health and safety protocols), guard Donte DiVincenzo (health and safety protocols), center Bobby Portis (health and safety protocols) and center Brook Lopez (back surgery) are out.